We are thrilled to welcome three new trustees to Unity’s Board: Laura Tellwright, Helen Jeffery & Peter Mearns

Laura Tellwright

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the board at Unity Theatre! Unity was the first theatre in Liverpool that I visited when moving here in 2010 for University, and I’ve been in love with it ever since. I’m drawn to Unity for its integral role within the Merseyside community with shows that drive audience curiosity and challenge society norms. I’m so excited to bring my professional arts fundraising skills and knowledge to the board as well as my passion and creativity for theatre as a freelance Producer, Actor and Director.

My arts fundraising background developed at B:Music Ltd, the charity responsible for the world-class concert halls Symphony Hall and Town Hall in Birmingham, where I worked for 6 years in Fundraising and Programming. In this time, I supported a £14.2m capital appeal, managed a large arts membership scheme, developed a Patron supporter programme, and fundraised to make music opportunities accessible to all artists and audiences.  It was here I was nominated for the Future Face of Arts & Culture Award at the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce for my commitment to providing opportunities for grassroot artists and talent development, whilst curating a comedy night called ‘Brum Craic,’ in support of the West Midland’s thriving comedy scene.

I currently work remotely as the Individual Giving Manager for one of the largest adult hospices in the UK, Saint Francis Hospice in Essex, managing an Individual Giving team whilst leading on the development and growth of the cause led giving programme to raise vital funds for people who need end of life and palliative care.

With my Producer hat proudly on, the last show I supported in 2023 sold out three nights at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre – ‘Get Rich or Nicked Tryin’ with Pat Raft Productions. I’m currently producing (and starring in!) a one-woman play called ‘Exposed’ that breaks boundaries surrounding grief and exposes the turbulent journey one experiences through loss. ‘Exposed’ is programmed for three nights at Hope Street Theatre early next year. I trained in acting and theatre at Liverpool’s Hope University and as a Member of the National Youth Theatre. I’m so delighted to be given the opportunity to support this incredible theatre and the amazing people that make it so unique.”

 

Helen Jeffery

Helen is a writer, performer, poet & creative facilitator from Merseyside. A graduate of the Playwright’s Programme at the Liverpool Everyman, she has had several plays produced including, ‘The Brink’ and ‘Gun Metal Blue’, recipient

of the Blink.Theatre Award for New Writing in 2017. Helen’s latest play ‘Buckled’ opened at the Shakespeare North Playhouse Studio in March 2024 and was programmed as part of the ‘UP NEXT’ Festival at Unity in May 2024. Helen has a passion for writing and creating theatre and spoken word which destigmatizes mental illness and addiction and connects with a diverse range of audiences and participants. She works freelance for various organisations including Writing on the Wall & the Liverpool Everyman, and enjoys facilitating workshops with creatives, young people and adults from a wide range of communities. Helen is delighted to have joined the board at Unity and is looking forward to helping champion new artists and supporting the theatre in developing its vision, values and artistic ambition.

 

Peter Mearns

 

Peter is originally from Dorking, Surrey. He’s a graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University and started his career with BBC TV Manchester. Between 1999-2010 he was an Executive Director of the Northwest Development Agency.

Peter is a former Deputy Chair of Arts Council England Northwest and Member of the Northwest Sports Council. He was a member of the London 2012 Nations & Regions Group representing the North West and chaired the steering committee for the Olympic Torch Relay.

He’s a marketing & communications professional specialising in economic development, physical and social regeneration, culture, sport, tourism, inward investment, media and brand management, public affairs and major events.

Until recently he was Chair of Storyhouse in Chester, an award-winning performing arts centre and library. He is currently Chair of Bluecoat, Liverpool’s Contemporary Arts Centre, Chair of the Manchester Literature Festival, Co-Chair of Cheshire Dance and a trustee of Shakespeare North Playhouse and Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool. He’s also Deputy Chair of Marketing Cheshire, part of Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington  and a Director of Aura Leisure & Libraries, Wales. Peter is passionate about Unity Theatre’s role in staging productions and events that speak directly to the communities around us, as we strive to connect curious audiences with brilliant new work that breaks artistic boundaries whilst providing opportunities for people to engage in creativity.

 

 

 

 

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